The information-processing approach and results of research on spatial ability are analyzed. Performance consists of a sequence of distinct mental operations that seem general across subjects, and can be individually measured. New interpretations for some classical concepts in psychological testing and procedures for abilities are suggested.…

Two correlational investigations attempted to establish the construct validity of the dimensions assessed by the Inventory of Learning Processes scales. The scales are Synthesis-Analysis; Study Methods; Fact Retention; and Elaborative Processing. A number of cognitive tests were also administered. (MH)

Reviews the potential relationship between visualization and effective instruction. Highlights include the use of graphical user interfaces for enhancing visual communication, integrating visual communication into courseware design, theoretical principles of visual communication, empirical research needs, AIME (amount of invested mental effort),…

Reports on what actually happened with the role of the computer, the quality of math education, and curricular change in 2000. (KHR)

Technologies can help overcome some human problems in strategic planning. Group Support Systems technology allows issues to be divorced from the people proposing them and allows debatelike discussion. Strategic Conferencing with a multiattribute value model supports shared understanding and provides modeled scenarios of consequences. Mental…

Describes a successful mother/daughter math club started by a third grade teacher which is designed to help participants increase positive feelings about mathematics; further develop problem-solving skills, especially involving construction and spatial visualization tasks; and become familiar with women's contributions to the world of mathematics.…

This article discusses how common graphic organizers can be used in inclusive classrooms to benefit learners who have difficulty organizing information. Guiding principles for effective graphic organizers are provided and types of graphic organizers are described, including: cause-and effect, sequence charts, main-idea-and-detail, Venn diagram,…

Examines the role of visualization within the process of geometrical concept attainment for students in grades five through eight, preservice elementary teachers, and inservice senior elementary teachers. Investigates the "bitrian" and "biquad" examples, numbers of critical attributes, elements in triangles, judgment in quadrilateral examples, and…

Presents methods for teaching two mathematical concepts that utilize visualization. The first illustrates a visual approach to developing the formula for the sum of the terms of an arithmetic sequence. The second develops the relationship between the slopes of perpendicular lines by performing a rotation of the coordinate axes and examining the…

Reports a study designed to identify 9 and 11 year olds' ways of drawing nets of solids and to provide opportunities for them to reflect on their models in whole class discussions. Results indicated that children's views of solids' nets progressed from more global and holistic to more quantitative and analytic. (MDH)

Defines memory skills as techniques for increasing initial learning and long-term retention of information, and argues that good memory skills are important. Nine ways in which teachers can improve the ability of students to remember are presented. Emphasis is placed on mnemonic strategies. (SLD)

Forty blind children and adolescents had to learn two unknown environments and then externalize the spatial representation via two methods--building a scale model and verbally estimating distances. High correlations were found between the two methods and between those methods and two systems of measuring mobility. (Author/JDD)

Presents evidence for students' qualitative and quantitative difficulties with apparently simple one-dimensional relative-motion problems, students' spontaneous visualization of relative-motion problems, the visualizations facilitating solution of these problems, and students' memories of the online computer simulation used as a framework for…

Investigated gender differences in the spatial abilities of mental rotation, spatial visualization, spatial perception, and relationships between spatial abilities and spatial activity participation in 161 Norwegian technology students and 293 social science students. Implications of results for occupational performance are discussed. (SLD)

Briefly reviews the use of therapeutic touch in early Western culture and Judaic tradition and by modern practitioners. Discusses modern scientific approaches to therapeutic touch, including its use by nurses. Offers suggestions for and examples of the use of meditation, relaxation exercises, and therapeutic touch with adolescents in classroom and…